3-D printing or additive manufacturing is the process which builds layer upon layer to create a three dimensional solid object from a digital model with the help of computer system. The computer controls layer by layer material deposition maintains very low wastage of printing material. 3D printing provides the integration of metals and alloys and other raw materials available in the market according to the specifications of the final product.

The emerging economies such as China, India, UAE, Brazil and South Africa are investing substantially on the 3D printing technology. Among the emerging nations, China holds lion's share in the 3D printing technology. In April 2013, China's Ministry of science and Technology had invested $6.5m for National High technological Research and Development Program to promote the technology and increase the rate of adoption of 3D printing. The contour crafting technology adoption by China has bought a new revolution in the construction industry.

The Shanghai Winsun Decoration Design Engineering company has built around 10 houses in a clocks time, which is a milestone in the construction market. South Africa, in December 2013, had organized an event called Euromold to solve technical queries among the existingusers and eventually lead to widespread adoption. Mergers and acquisitions in the emerging regions also motivate manufacturersin adopting the technology. Gauging the potential in the emerging economies, 3D Systems acquired Robotech, a well-known additive manufacturing company in Brazil to increase its market share.

Minimal material wastage, low labor cost, faster processing, user friendly interface and availability of the printers at affordable cost are the prime features of the technology. 3D printing is widely adopted by manufacturing industries to prototype the product, which is difficult to print by traditional methods of printing. Precise group has launched TIM project, which is a combination of advanced scanning technology, proprietary software and 3D printing techniques. Mingda has introduced the biggest desktop 3D printer in Brazil, which has an LCD facility and can print at a speed of 250mm/s. Wide range of consumer items such as dresses, key chains and toys are also produced with the help of 3D printing.